This is what stood in my way as I neared the end of my first ‘long’ run on my training schedule.

The Comet: Nick is running the London Marathon 2015 for St John Ambulance.Nick is running the London Marathon 2015 for St John Ambulance. (Image: Archant)

As if the wind, rain and puddles wasn’t enough of an obstacle, I had to hurdle a tree on Saturday. OK, I edged round it, but the point still stands.

I must admit, more than five miles in I could have done without it – the hill that followed was plenty to contend with.

The next weekend run it will be seven miles, then nine, then seven, then 10, 12, 15, 13, 16, 18, 20, 14, 20, 13, 10, and, of course, 26.2.

When you put it like that it sounds more like a night at the bingo than running distances. I think fallen trees will be the least of my worries.